7 Key Signs You Might Have Glossophobia (Fear of Public Speaking)
Recognizing Public Speaking Fear and Anxiety
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is more common than most people think. While some nerves before a presentation are normal, for those with glossophobia, the anxiety can be intense and debilitating. It can affect career opportunities, education, and personal confidence.
If you suspect you may glossophobia, here are seven key signs and symptoms to look out for:
1. Build-up of anxiety before speaking – You feel dread or panic hours or even days before a speaking engagement.
2. Avoidance – You go out of your way to skip events that involve speaking in front of others. Y
3. Managing or manipulating situations – You try to control who’s in the room, when you speak, or what topics are discussed to reduce anxiety.
4. Freezing or blanking – Your mind goes blank or you lose your train of thought while speaking.
5. Severe physical symptoms – These can include rapid heartbeat, over-breathing, shaking, sweating, or feeling faint.
6. Irrational negative thoughts – You fear being judged, humiliated, or making mistakes, even without any real threat.
7. Obsessive rumination afterward – After speaking, you replay what happened and criticize yourself excessively.
Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward addressing them. Whether you're experiencing mild nerves or extreme public speaking anxiety, know that help is available and effective treatment is possible.
